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A key question for exporters is - what type of licence can I use?
In this section you can access more information on:
There are a number of licence types which you may be able to use to export your goods (either military or dual-use items). You are need to be aware of the different types and adhere to any relevant terms and conditions.
For more details about which is appropriate for you and your business please access the relevant links:
Want quick and easy access to Open General Licence documents? The Publications area provides a full list of OGLs.
OGELs allow the export of specified controlled items to specific destinations by any exporter. There are different types of OGELs covering military, dual-use, transhipment and other items. There is also a Community General Export Authorisation (CGEA), which is the European Union equivalent of a dual-use OGEL.
All these licences are available in the public domain for download and use, subject to the terms and conditions of each licence. Access current published OGELs, amendment details and previous archived licence versions as well as guidance and details of requirements.
NOTE: A number of changes to OGLs will be in force from 20th June 2008 onwards. For details of these recent amendments see Notice to Exporters 2008/14.
To use any OGEL you will need to register via SPIRE.
A SIEL allows the export of specific items to a specific destination and to a stated consignee and/or end-user, up to the quantity and value described on the licence.
You need to apply for a SIEL via SPIRE.
An OIEL is specific to an individual company and covers multiple shipments of specific goods to multiple destinations. There are different types of OIELs including military/dual use, media, dealer-to-dealer and UK Continental Shelf OIELs.To use an OIEL you need to register via SPIRE.
The OIEL is a concessionary form of licence issued to exporters with a proven track record in dealing in controlled goods.
The Global Project Licence (GPL) simplifies the arrangements for licensing military goods and technologies between countries who are partners in Framework Agreeement (FA) and who are participating in collaborative defence projects. The countries concerned are the UK, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain and Germany. A GPL is very similar to an OIEL in terms of the application and the resulting licence. You need to apply for a GPL via SPIRE.
These licences authorise the trading of military goods between one overseas country and another (commonly referred to as trafficking and brokering). There are 3 types of trade control licences:
All applications and registrations should be made via SPIRE.
A licence is required to permit certain goods being transhipped or transiting through the UK. There are 4 Open General Transhipment Licences (OGTLs) or you may need to apply for a Standard Individual Transhipment Licence (SITL).
All applications should be made via SPIRE.
A web-based search tool to help exporters decide whether their goods, software or technology are controlled by UK or EC strategic export control legislation. You can search the database by product, by entering a careful general description of your goods to find the entry (known as the "rating") in the Control Lists for a selected item.
A web-based search tool to help exporters find out whether there are any Open General Export Licences (OGELs) they may be able to use when exporting their goods, software or technology.
ECO introduced the SPIRE system for Online Licensing on September 3rd 2007 (replacing the previous ELVIS, OLLIE and paper licence systems and forms).
Export Control Organisation
Updated: June 2008
